The mortar in between these bricks was repaired, but the mix failed. It can be removed and repaired. (Courtesy of Tim Carter) Analysis by Tim Carter It appears I wasted some money five years ago.

What would you say if this mortar had the ability to heal itself and repair tiny cracks in some cases? I knew you’d be interested. If your bricklayers had used hydrated lime mixed with the sand ...

Question: It appears I wasted some money five years ago. I had my brick building repointed with new mortar, and it has deteriorated quickly. Do you have any idea what caused it to happen?

The crystals formed because of a reaction that took place over time between the lime and volcanic matter in the mortar. Rome lies between two volcanic districts, Alban Hills to the south and Monti ...

That ingredient is slaked lime, limestone that has been calcined, or heated to a high temperature, and then exposed to water. Sticky rice mortar probably was the world's first composite mortar ...

It's called lime mortar. It holds together most of Scotland's historic buildings and 20% of our housing stock. And it has properties that make it ideal for repairing and maintaining older buildings.

When water is added to Portland cement, some other bagged mortar mix or hydrated lime, it starts an irreversible chemical reaction called hydration. Small crystals start to grow as the dry powder ...